How To Choose a Pest Control Company
Hiring the right company for you is the most important step in the pest control process. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and price of services.
Below, we dive into detail on each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
Per the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors must be licensed at the state level. The EPA has established minimum standards of competency, and the New York regulatory agencies take care of the issuing, maintaining, and revoking of licenses.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
Pest control companies have the option to obtain certifications from QualityPro or similar trade organizations. These certifications can help you assess the quality of a company's products. For example, the GreenPro Service Certification recognizes comprehensive and effective pest control methods that are safer for humans and the environment.
Pest control companies can also hold membership in various professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove a company's reputability. Organizations like the NPMA provide access to resources, education, and a network of professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
For the most part, a company will list information like its years of experience and specialities on its website. Local reviews can also tell you whether a company has experience dealing with a particular pest in your area. If you can't get the information you need online, you can reach out to the company directly to get your questions answered.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can be used to verify a company's legitimacy include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), social media, and local review sites. Additionally, you can verify the status of a company's license via the New York licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Things like the size of your house, your location, the type of pest being treated, and other factors can all influence the cost of pest control.
You can find out whether a company offers free on-site estimates (to determine if it fits in your budget), as well as what kind of guarantees it has. Often, a company will provide a guarantee that if it does not eliminate your pest problem, it will keep coming back until it does.
Safety and Treatment Methods
It's important to consider safety when selecting a pest control expert, and you might prefer a provider who uses more natural, environmentally friendly pest control solutions.
Safety
Your pest control expert should be using pesticides that are low toxicity or non-toxic when possible. If they plan to use pesticides that don't fall into one of these categories, your technician should explain what safety precautions they will put in place to protect you, your family, and your pets. Pesticides that pose more than a minimum risk are required to be registered with the EPA.
Treatment Methods
Many pest control companies are now exploring cleaner and greener pest management that can be implemented before (or instead of) chemical pesticides. Many follow the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which goes as follows:
- Identify problem pests and assess whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls to manage the pest problem.
- Use chemical controls only when required, and always in combination with other controls for effective long-term pest management.
- Assess the outcome and provide additional pest control as needed.
Common Household Pests in Poughkeepsie
Some pests are more common than others. In Poughkeepsie, common pests to be watchful for include the following:
- Moths: If your house has moths, you might notice holes in your linens or clothing. Moths thrive in warmer weather and prefer dark places like closets.
- Spiders: Spiders usually prefer damp and dark places and are often found in basements or attics.
- Mice: If your home has a mouse infestation, you might notice droppings around your house, or things like chewed wires. Frequently, mice are found in places where food is stored or in attics.
